Omaha daily bee., 1887-04-16
Cleveland and Randall.

The relations between MIR. Cleveland
and Mr. Randall have never been very
clearly defined. 1t was the impression
during the first year OF the administra-
tion that the Pennsylvania statesman was
regarded with great deal Of considera.
ton at the white house and exerted q con-
siderable influence there. There were
some facts which for time seemed to
warrant this view, and their effect un-
doubtedly was to estrange from the presl-
dent number of democrats who are
bitterly hostile to Randall. Then there
came period when the country was
told that Mr.. Cleveland had broken with
the Pennsylvanian, and circumstances
were stated in evidence of this. Then
when Randall dictated the last demo-
cratic state ticket in Pennsylvania, 1t
was claimed that his power to do this
was due to the fact of his having admin
istration assurances in respect to the
patronage in the state. On this assump.
ton the president was soundly berated
and feeling created which cost the
democratic party of Pennsylvania q
great many votes. 1t is now rep
resented that in appointing Ex-Governor
Pattison member of the Pacific railway
investigating commission, the president
not only did not consult Mr.. Randall,
but entirely ignored his well.undcrstood
feeling regarding Pattison. This circum-
stance is referred to by a Philadelphia
paper of democratic predictions as the
best evidence yet given of change in
Randall's relations with the administra.
ton, and hailed as an assurance that the
president is finding that foxy person
OUT as one not to be trusted.
If Mr.. Cleveland has but just reached
this conclusion it proves that either his
observation has been very incomplete or
that his judg gment is exceptionally slug
glsh. Everybody of ordinary perception
has been familiar with this phase of Ran
dall's character for a long time. He
would not have the least hesitation in
using the administration for subscribing
his own end, and when that was accom-.
plished abandoning it to its enemies.
This characteristic is we'll understood by
the politicians in Pennsylvania who use
him, and who required of him fresh and
stronger guarantees of fidelity as the
price OF leaving his congress.
ionaL district untouched. Why the pres
ident should ever have reposed any
confidence in Ra ndall, in view of the fac
that he has never shown any reciprocal
feeling 1t is not easy to understand. We
has been the arch ch-obstructionist in the
way of every leading policy of the ad
ministration. He has rendered the dem
ocratlc majority in congress helpless. He
is most largely responsible for the failure
of the party to carry out its pledges to the
country. For these reasons he has had
no claim for any consideration from the
administration, and 1t was mistake to
accord any to him. If the president has
atlast determined to ignore Mr.. Randall,
and in setting the example shall be fol
lowed, rs may be intended, by the demo
Gratis in congress in sympathy with the
administration policy, we do not be
lievo that either the president or tht
party will in the end lose by the action
Randall Is still in position to give some
trouble, and he will make full use of his
opportunity. But he cannot be improved
by ooaxng or compromising, as Mr.
Springer has suggested. A poli.ica
party which triflcs with obstructionlsts an,
! disorganzers in its ranks fosters an ele
mont of weakness that is always danger
Gus. Randall is of these classes, and TIN
democratic party would be better OF
| without him.